Man in his 20s attacked while walking pet in woodland two miles from Swinton Barracks – as police dismiss wild social media claims about ‘terrorist attack’
A British soldier was injured after a suspected knifeman attempted to steal his dog near a major Army base in Wiltshire, sparking a major police investigation and wild speculation on social media.
The serviceman, in his 20s, was attacked while walking his dog in civilian clothing near Perham Down, approximately two miles from the prestigious Swinton Barracks where elite engineer regiments are based.
The shocking incident occurred yesterday afternoon when the soldier was confronted by an unknown assailant who demanded he hand over his pet – but the brave serviceman refused, triggering a violent confrontation.
Police Set Record Straight
Wiltshire Police moved swiftly to counter inflammatory claims spreading on social media, particularly from far-right activist Tommy Robinson who falsely claimed the incident was a terrorist attack involving a “Stanley blade” outside Tidworth barracks.
In a carefully worded statement, police confirmed the true nature of the incident while dismissing the more sensational claims circulating online.
A spokesperson said: “We are aware of social media posts which refer to an incident which took place near Tidworth yesterday afternoon (6 June). Please be assured that we are aware of the incident and it is not as described.”
The force revealed: “At around 3.45pm yesterday, we received a report that an unknown suspect had approached a man walking a dog in woodland near Perham Down and attempted to snatch the lead of the dog.
Minor Facial Injury
Contrary to reports of a stabbing, police confirmed the victim “suffered a minor injury to his face during the incident” – with no mention of any blade being used in the attack.
The clarification came after Robinson posted to his 1.3 million X followers claiming “at least one soldier has been attacked with a Stanley blade this evening outside barracks in Tidworth.
Police emphasized there has been “no official confirmation of any threat to the armed forces” and made “no mention of a blade or terrorist connection.
Elite Base on Alert
Swinton Barracks, located at Perham Down near the garrison town of Tidworth, is home to some of Britain’s most elite military units including:
- 22 Engineer Regiment
- 26 Engineer Regiment
- Multiple signals regiments
The base, which forms part of the Tidworth, Netheravon and Bulford Garrison, underwent extensive reconstruction between 2006 and 2014 and is a specialist centre for armoured engineering.
Named after Major-General Sir Ernest Swinton, an early advocate of armoured vehicles who was responsible for recruiting and training the Tank Detachment in 1916, the barracks sits on the eastern edge of Salisbury Plain.
Woodland Attack Location
The incident occurred in woodland near Perham Down village, a small community that has hosted military installations since 1914 when the 2nd London Division held their annual camp there.
The area, approximately 1.5 miles east of Tidworth and close to the Hampshire border, is popular with dog walkers and features numerous woodland paths used by both military personnel and civilians.
During World War II, the barracks were used as a training camp by the 99th Infantry Battalion of the United States Army, highlighting the site’s long military heritage.
Previous Security Incidents
The attack comes amid heightened concerns about the security of military personnel following several high-profile incidents in recent years.
Most notably, the 2013 murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby near Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich sent shockwaves through the armed forces community and led to enhanced security measures.
Last year, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Teeton was stabbed multiple times near Brompton Barracks in Kent in an attack that left him in serious condition for weeks.
Dog Theft Epidemic
The attempted dog snatching reflects a wider crime wave that has seen pet thefts soar across the UK, with criminals targeting specific breeds for their high resale value.
Dog owners, including military personnel who often own working breeds, have been warned to remain vigilant when walking their pets in isolated areas.
The incident near Perham Down appears to be the first reported case of a serviceman being targeted specifically for their dog, though the motive remains unclear.
Social Media Speculation
The incident triggered a wave of speculation on social media, with various accounts spreading unverified claims about the nature and severity of the attack.
Tommy Robinson’s inflammatory posts, which incorrectly claimed a terrorist connection and the use of a blade, were viewed millions of times before police issued their clarification.
The false claims led to calls for protests and demonstrations, prompting authorities to act swiftly to prevent any escalation based on misinformation.
Investigation Ongoing
Wiltshire Police confirmed that “enquiries into the incident are ongoing” as they work to identify and locate the suspect who fled the scene.
Officers are likely examining CCTV footage from the surrounding area and conducting door-to-door enquiries in the Perham Down community.
Anyone with information about the incident or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the woodland area has been urged to contact police.
Military Community Response
The attack has sent ripples through the tight-knit military community at Tidworth and surrounding garrisons, where many personnel regularly exercise their dogs in local woodlands.
While the soldier’s injuries were minor, the brazen nature of the attempted robbery has raised concerns about the safety of off-duty military personnel in the area.
Base commanders are expected to review security advice for personnel living both on and off base, particularly regarding personal safety when in civilian areas.
Not What It Seemed
As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly misinformation can spread on social media, potentially inflaming community tensions.
What began as an attempted dog theft – serious enough in its own right – was transformed by online speculation into something far more sinister, demonstrating the importance of waiting for official police statements before jumping to conclusions.
For now, a soldier nurses minor injuries after bravely refusing to surrender his beloved pet to a would-be thief – a far cry from the terrorist attack some claimed, but still a concerning incident that has left the military community on edge.
